TOWN centre workers could be forced to dig deep after controversial plans to introduce ‘Pay and Display’ on a free car park moved a step closer.

The plan, to charge for parking on the 130-space Thomas Street car park, means town centre workers could have to fork out up to £40 a month to park for work.

The scheme, approved by the Crewe and Nantwich Borough Council Board last week, now has to go before the Joint Highways Committee next month.

It has infuriated not only workers but also nearby residents, who fear commuters will clog up their streets rather than pay.

Householders have enlisted the support of local councillor Gwyn Griffiths, who told the Chronicle: “This has been delayed for several months because of the objections raised but they haven’t addressed those concerns.”

He said effectively the council was now giving workers two choices.

“They have to pay or they’re going to have to park on the streets and that’s going to cause all sorts of problems for local people.”

Among workers objecting to the proposed charges are many of the staff at Crewe Police Station.

Seventy two signed a petition saying staff working shifts will face increased costs when they are serving the community in their roles.

The council’s own staff and market traders also complain they could not afford to pay to park.

Cllr John Hammond said the borough approved introducing pay and display for Thomas Street originally in January last year.

“It went out for consultation and we’ve had a good look at it,” he said, adding proposed charging times had been altered to accommodate people using the Cumberland Sports facilities.

He said the borough would look at a residents-only parking permit scheme, but only the county council could approve that.